Black voters don't like Romney? Don't tell that to U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Palm Beach Gardens, and Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll. They have been called upon to head Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s come-from-behind efforts to garner inroads among black voters.

West and Carroll have been named co-chairs, with U.S. Rep. Tim Scott, R-S.C., for Romney for President’s Black Leadership Council.

“Until we reform our education system, make a commitment to train skilled workers for the jobs of today and encourage more black-American small businesses, we will continue to see higher unemployment and poverty rates throughout our community,” Carroll stated in a release from the Romney for President campaign. “That’s a future none of us wants to see, and it is one that Mitt Romney will commit to avoid.”

West called President Obama a disappointment running a negative campaign.

“In Mitt Romney, we have a proven leader who will not speak to America with empty platitudes and soaring rhetoric, but will restore the exceptionalism of our republic and secure the American dream for future generations,” West stated in the release.

Members of the council will act as surrogates on behalf of Romney, providing expertise, experience and knowledge on issues that impact black American communities.

They will have their work cut out for them.

An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll conducted Aug. 16-20 among 1,000 registered voters had President Obama with a slight overall lead in the race, but among African-American voters the spread was an alarming 94 percent for Obama to 0 percent for Romney.

Congressman Scott said black Americans should judge Obama on his policies.

“Many black Americans across the country cheered when Barack Obama was elected president,” Scott stated in a release. “Achieving this milestone was a great moment for civil rights, one that reflected the best of this country. But we judge President Obama by his policies, not his promises. Those policies have been a disappointment. Black Americans are falling into poverty at an alarming rate, and unemployment rates are rising. We need a leader in the White House who knows how to turn this economy around. Mitt Romney has a plan to do just that, and we need him now more than ever.”

National Council Chairs:

Rep. Tim Scott (S.C.-01)

Rep. Allen West (Fla.-22)

Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll

Advisory Council Members:

Texas State Rep. Stefani Carter

Saratoga Springs Mayor and Utah congressional candidate Mia Love

Texas Commissioner of Education and former Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams

Kay Coles James, president and founder of the Gloucester Institute and former director for the United States Office of Personnel Management

Honorable Artur Davis, former member of Congress

The Honorable Bill Hardiman, former Michigan state senator

Linda Lee Tarver, ethnic vice chair of the Michigan Republican Party

Renee Amoore, deputy chairwoman of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania

Franklin County auditor Clarence Mingo (Ohio)

Ryan L. Frazier, former Colorado congressional candidate

Leondray Gholston, Romney for President Colorado Grassroots chairman and former Colorado Republican state vice chairman

Glenn McCall, South Carolina RNC committeeman

Ada Fisher, North Carolina RNC committeewoman

Hall County Commissioner Ashley Bell (Ga.)

Pastor Ira Combs

Burgess Owens, former NFL player

Stanley Jackson, former Ohio State University football captain and quarterback

Brenda Mack, president of the Ohio Black Republican Association.

 

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0812/80015.html#ixzz25bypyqDG



Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.